The Tiki Revival (Again) and More Tropical Fruit Booze

by James Oliver Cury

on 02/23/09 at 05:32 PM

I'm old enough to remember a few tiki revivals. In the 1970s, my parents took me to Trader Vic's where the hosts gave rock-candy cocktail stirrers to kids (which I treated like lollipops). Another revival centered around music: In the early 1990s, hipsters embraced old artists like Martin Denny and newer acts like Combustible Edison while sipping Scorpions (especially inside the Tonga Room in the San Francisco Fairmont Hotel).

So far, 2009 is poised to be yet another tiki revival year. The evidence:

The Los Angeles Times reviewed the Polynesian-themed Luau restaurant in January.

The Wall Street Journal discussed how tiki culture originally grew up during the Great Depression... and is back again for the New Depression.

A tropical drink is just the ticket while we are enduring 23 degree weather! And seriously, I can't even say pupu platter without my kids giggling.

MiCookbook
09:19:21 PM on
02/23/09

Psycho Suzi's is in NE Minneapolis is a perfect example of this, but the amazing owner, Leslie, began about four years ago. From the Suffering Bastard to the Paralyzed Polynesian, various types of rum and fruit juice are mixed with a comfortable atmosphere and delicious appetizers. (Where else can a person find pickle roll-ups and deviled eggs on menu?)